A series of reviews of gigs at the Vortex Jazz Club in Dalston, London. http://www.vortexjazz.co.uk

Thursday, 26 August 2010

Kairos 4tet

Kairos 4tet have fast been establishing themselves as a prominent voice on the UK jazz scene and their recent packed out performance at The Vortex proves that their profile is growing (and rightly so).

Performing a collection of material from their debut album, Kairos Moment, and the occasional new offering, the band featured Jon Scott (drums), Jasper Høiby (bass), new member Ivo Neame (piano) and leader Adam Waldmann (saxophones).

Waldmann’s solos were considered and performed with a poise reminiscent of Julian Arguelles. Often leading with spacious gestures, the more modal tunes saw him weaving in and out with chromatic patterns and repeated cells that provoked an excited but measured response from the rhythm section.

An energetic improviser, Neame’s skill as an accompanist is assured with the freer moments between him and Waldmann being especially beautiful.

The group is conceptually strong with Waldmann’s writing suiting his improvising voice perfectly The grooves were deceptive, driven by Scott who expertly complemented Høiby’s fervent presence. New ballad Maybe Next Year began with an ancient calm from which emerged a lyrical folk inflected theme; an accessible style that underpinned a lot of the writing.

With upcoming appearances at Brecon Jazz Festival and The Forge, catch this new line-up while it’s hot.